“I bet you wonder where I’ve been, I searched to find the love within. I came back to let you know, got a thing for you, and I can’t let go”

• What you wont do for love by Bobby Caldwell

At my brother’s funeral one of our childhood friends took the mic to give a tribute. In his tribute, he mentioned that one of his core memories regarding his and my brother’s friendship included coming over to our house of Friday nights. He spoke about the music he would always hear when he entered our house. Up until that point, I had not realized how that music had also become a part of me.

“ I’m in love, sweet love.”- Sweet Love by Anita Baker

I grew up with both my parents, my elder brother, my younger sister, and younger brother. During the week, my mother and I would mostly do the cooking and it was mainly Ghanaian cuisines. but Friday. Friday went a little something like this.

“But I want to be free, free, free

And I just got to be me, yeah, me, me”

Free by Deniece Williams.

On Friday’s the cooking was done by my father. He would make anything from lomein to lasagna. This included hot wings, ribs, or some recipe he learned when he studied and worked at some restaurant. While he was cooking, he would play music from his youth. He would dance by himself and when my mom would return from work, dance with him, or she’d just sit there and sing along. 

“Keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me. For sure, thats what friends are for. Through good times, and bad time.” Thats what Friends are for by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder.

During those times, I would learn some of the songs, and ignore the songs I didn’t like. I didn’t expect to come to know all the songs, even the ones I wasn’t fond of. I didn’t know our friends will remember our Friday nights and share it at my brother’s funeral. 

“Cus we’re living in a world of foold, bringing us down, when they all should let us be. You belong to you and me.” How deep is your love- Bee Gees

As I am building my own family, I want to build memories surrounding music, as it is an integral part of my life. I want to build a life of joy in the home for my children, which include music. A life that their friends can experience alongside them. A life where they can sit together, one day in their old age and talk about. I wonder what songs would stand out to them, which ones would make them think of their time with me?

I am grateful to my parents for these times. I am grateful for this playlist I have created with them in mind. I am overjoyed to share it with you.

One thing about music, when it hits you you feel no pain